The Ed Ames Album is a self-titled studio album by American singer and actor Ed Ames released in late 1964. It was his second original album for RCA Victor Records, produced by Jim Foglesong. It contained a total of 12 tracks, including one single. The album received a positive critical reception following its release, though it missed the US album charts.
Background, recording and content Ed Ames had been a recording artist for RCA Victor since the 1950s, gaining prominence during his time with the Ames Brothers. The Ed Ames Album followed his debut Opening Night with Ed Ames, which contained his first charting single. The self-titled LP was Ames' first to be produced by Jim Foglesong, and was his only one recorded at RCA Victor's Studio "A", located in New York City, New York. Foglesong would produce for Ames for the rest of the decade.
The Ed Ames Album consisted of 12 tracks in total. Selections included various musical and film songs, such as "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face" from My Fair Lady, "Monica" from The Carpetbaggers, "Gigi" from the Award-winning namesake film, and "It's Magic" from Romance on the High Seas. "Love Is Here to Stay" was a standard from the MGM film The Goldwyn Follies (1938) and "Willow Weep for Me" was a jazz standard which became a pop hit in 1964. "What Now My Love" was a popular pop hit at the time.
Release
The album was originally released in October 1964 by RCA Victor. It was the second studio album of Ames' career. The label originally offered it as a vinyl LP, with six songs on "Side A" and six songs on "Side B". It was available in stereo and monaural sound. Since then, it has been digitized onto streaming platforms in the 2020s as well.
Critical reception
The album was given a positive review from Billboard magazine following its original release. Putting the album in its "Special Merit Pop Spotlight" section, the publication stated that "Ed Ames has come a long way since he was one of the singing Ames Brothers. Broadway and TV work, as an actor and as a singer, has broadened his style, delivery and impact." They said, "to listeners, seeking a warm, romantic album of outstanding songs, like 'Gigi" and 'Fly Me to the Moon;' need look no further if they want them sung by an outstanding talent." Retrospectively, The Virgin Encyclopedia of Popular Music gave the album a four-star rating, which meant that the album was of "high standard" and "therefore recommended."
Track listing
Release history Region Date Format Label Ref. North America October 1964 RCA Victor Records Worldwide Circa 2020 Sony Music Entertainment
Personnel All credits are adapted from the liner notes of The Ed Ames Album.
Ed Ames – vocals Harvey Siders – liner notes Frank Hunter, (tracks: A3, A4, B2, B5) – arranger, conductor Marty Manning, (tracks: A1, A2, A5-B1, B3, B4, B6) – arranger, conductor Jim Foglesong – producer Ed Begley – recording engineer
References